This pond has a rather natural character considering water plants and plants growing around it. Below you will find some examples of perennials planted around the pond, followed by their short descriptions. My absolute favourites are different species of irises. Their leafs are decorative during whole season, even though flowers are lasting very, very short.

Astilbe sp. Perenial Height: 15 - 100 cm Flowering: May Features: Many different colors are possible (from red, pinky to white). Like a bit more wet soil. Be observant: not all Astilbe are frost resistant!

Dwarf iris Perennial Height: 15 cm Flowering: May Features: flowers come very early. Since the whole plant is so small, I have planted it where I can easily see the flower and enjoy it!

Iris germanica Height: 15 cm Flowering: May/June Features: Up north flowers are lasting only few days, but anyhow it is worth to have them. Leafs are very decorative all the summer. Most common mistake which causes lack of flowers is too deep planting of iris. They like a bit dry soil in the summer.

Iris siberica Height: 15 cm Flowering: May/June Features: Flowers look fragile, but if many, the effect is guaranteed. Seed cups are decorative and can be used in flower arrangements later.

Valeriana officinalis Binual Height: 120 cm Flowering: June/July Features: Bees love this plant. We have counted as many as over 30 on one plant at the same time. Nectar of valeriana makes bees a bit dizy and they look really funny crawling with efford through all the small flowers.... Valeriana finds places in my garden by itsefl...I never know really where it will be showing up next year!!!

Iris siberica Height: 15 cm Flowering: May/June Features: Flowers look fragile, but if many, the effect is guaranteed. Seed cups are decorative and can be used in flower arrangements later.

Valeriana officinalis Binual Height: 120 cm Flowering: June/July Features: Bees love this plant. We have counted as many as over 30 on one plant at the same time. Nectar of valeriana makes bees a bit dizy and they look really funny crawling with efford through all the small flowers.... Valeriana finds places in my garden by itsefl...I never know really where it will be showing up next year!!!

Eriophorum sp. Height: 15 cm Flowering: May Features: very decorative and soft looking plant. Very common in northern Sweden where it covers as whole medows.

Hemerocalis sp. Height: 60 -80 cm + flowres Flowering: June/July Feature: a flower of one day (in Swedish). Flowers are not lasting long, but usually it comes so many anyway. Too much fertilizer will inhibit flowering. Leafs are very decorative even when flowering is ended.

Photos & text by Joanna